医能治一病谓之巧，能治百病谓之良
A physician qualified to cure one disease is considered clever, and if he can treat a hundred maladies, he is called excellent.
The proverb emphasizes the significance of doctors or physicians’ experience and skills.

 

医家有割股之心
A doctor must be prepared to cut off his own flesh to cure his patients.
The proverb means that doctors should be devoted to saving people, even at the cost of their own health.

 

药不执方,合宜而用
In preparing medicines do not stick rigidly to the formulae; use them as is appropriate.
The proverb states that there’s no need to stick to conventions but one can instead adjust to specific changes.

 

药不跟卖，病不讨医
Don’t sell medicine carelessly, and don’t send for any experienced doctor when you’re ill.
The proverb indicates that people should visit experienced doctors and show their respect when they’re ill.

 

药补不如食补
Medicinal supplements are not as good as food.
The proverb suggests that a healthy diet cures more than doctors.

 

药农不知草名，渔翁不知鱼名
As the herb gatherer does not know all the names of herbs, neither does a fisherman know all the names of fish.
The proverb suggests that a professional may not know everything there is to know about his profession.

 

药有八百八味，人有四百四病
There are 808 varieties of medicine and 404 varieties of sickness.
The proverb means that matching the medicine to the illness is of vital importance.